Curiosity is Key to Progress
A Guide for Autism Parents on Sustaining Motivation
Being a parent on the autism journey can sometimes feel like a roller coaster, filled with highs and lows. Moments of inspiration may dwindle, leaving you questioning your ability to guide your child through the challenges of Autism. But fear not, for we all experience those lapses in motivation.
In this blog post, let's explore ways to keep that flame of motivation alive and burning bright.
Embrace Curiosity
Consistency and routine are crucial, but introducing a sense of curiosity can make learning more engaging. If your child has specific interests like Space, Dinosaurs or Minecraft for example, infuse an old tired activity by swapping it over to one of those themes. This will maintain the familiarity of the activity while infusing it with a fresh theme. Swapping out items related to their passion areas, may feel like a cheat but think of it as a framework that can be used to spark their curiosity. Curiosity creates motivation and motivation means they want to learn.
Explore New Ideas
Expand your child's range of influence by exploring new ideas, techniques, and styles. Experiment with different activities without the pressure of immediate learning. If something resonates with your child, incorporate it into your repertoire of motivators. The unexpected inspiration from trying new things can reignite excitement and passion for learning.
Seek Inspiration
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration from nature, art, books, music, and daily life. Learn from the approaches of other parents and creative minds. Inspiration can emerge from unexpected places, so keep an open mind and absorb the positive energy that creativity brings.
Take Breaks
Recharge your creative spirit by taking breaks. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow your mind to wander. Stepping away from your responsibilities for a while can provide a fresh perspective and renewed energy when you return.
Connect with Others
Share your journey with like-minded individuals in communities, workshops, or collaborations. A supportive network can offer encouragement, valuable feedback, and new perspectives. Connecting with others who understand your struggles can be a powerful motivator in itself.
Set Realistic Goals
Break down your goals into small manageable tasks for you and your kids.
Celebrate small victories along the way, as they can boost motivation and keep you engaged. Remember that progress is made one small step at a time and each achievement is a step closer to your ultimate goal.
Embrace Failure
Recognize that failure is a natural part of the creative process. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the lessons learned from failures and use them to fuel your creativity, turning challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Conclusion
It's normal for parents to experience moments of doubt and fatigue on the autism journey. However, by incorporating curiosity, exploring new ideas, seeking inspiration, taking breaks, connecting with others, setting realistic goals, and embracing failure, you can reignite your passion and keep the fire alive. Remember, your creative journey is a continuous process, and with patience and grace, you can navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes along the way.
How do you keep your child motivated? Let me know in the comments below.
Cheerio Jo
